You should never share your antibiotics with someone else. Different infections can be caused by different bacteria. For example, chest infections and urinary tract (water) infections are caused by very different infection, as are infections of cuts and wounds. Therefore, the antibiotics you are given for one infection might not treat the bacteria that cause your friend or family member’s infection. Some infections are also caused by microbes called viruses (e.g. coughs, colds and most sore throats) and antibiotics do not work against these. Taking antibiotics in this way can promote antibiotic resistance, which can make current and future infections more difficult to treat.
Don’t forget, the antibiotics were prescribed specifically for you and they may not be suitable for your friend or family member due to allergies, other medicines they might be taking, or other underlying health conditions. Instead of sharing your antibiotics, you can reassure them that your antibiotics might not be the right ones and they should see their community pharmacist for minor ailments, or see urgent medical attention from a GP, NHS 111, or urgent care if they are worried.